Edwin j



March 27, 1928. 1,663,882

E. J. GOULD AUTOMATIC ADJUSTING MECHANISM Filed March 12, 1924 IIHUHT L I k Lad \/i l Lu INVENTOR Patented Mar. 27, 1928.

UNITED STATES EDWIN J. GOULD, OF OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA.

AUTOMATIC ADJUSTING MECHANISM.

Application filed March 12, 1924'. Serial No. 698,771.

This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in the type of automaticadjusting mechanism designed to allow adjustment for a difference in the distance traveled by the wheels! in turning curves.

The objects of the invention are to simplify the construction of such devices, in-

crease their elliciency and secure strength and durability while confining the mechanism in small compass.

I attain these objects by the mechanism illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1, is an elevation with parts broken away to show position of internal mechanism;

Fig. 2, is an elevation at right angles to Fig. 1, with parts broken away showing internal mechanism .in opposite position to this in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3, is a central transverse section showing parts in the same position as Fig. 1;

Fig. 4, is a central transverse section at right angles to Fig. 3, showing parts in same position as in Fig. 2.

Like numerals indicate like parts throughout the different views; 1, is a casing constituting the driving element and adapted to be rotated from any suitable source of power (not shown) so as to transmit motion to the driven element-s hereinafter described: 2, is a circular member with two concave surfaces and lug pins extending from its periphery through holes 5 and 6 1n the casing 1: 7 and 8. are hemispherical cams mounted on aligned axle sections 9 and 10, the convex surfaces of said cams fitting in the concave surfaces of the circular member 2.

40 The circular member 2, the convex cams 7 and 8, and the aligned axle sections 9 and 10 constituting the driven elements.

When power is applied to the driving element 1 causing it to rotate, the circular member 2 is forced to rotate with the casing 1, due to the fact that the lug pins 3 and 4 extend through the holes 5 and 6 in the casing 1, but the power so applied does not cause the member 2 to make any oscillating or reciprocating motion, therefore holding the convex cams rigid, and driving the aligned axle sections 9 and 10 as though they constituted a solid axle running through the casing, because of the opposed action of the offset of the two convex cams.

But where a separate power is applied to each axle section to rotate each in an opposite direction, as in the case of the wheels of a motor vehicle going around a curve, the axle sections are allowed to run, one faster and one slower than the driving element 1, causing the member 2 with its extending lug pins to have an oscillating and at the same time a reciprocating motion in and through the holes 5 and (5, therefore allowing perfect adjustment in the difference in the speed of the wheels, but not causing either wheel to spin from power applied through the casing 1.

it will be understood that when the convex cams are in the position shown in Fig. 4, thatin order to change their relative positions, it would be necessary for the member 2 to travel endwise or the lug pins 3 and e and the convex cams are then compelled to rotate in opposite directions until the position shown in Fig. 3 is reached when the convex cams are standing parallel as regards their ofisets, and the lug pins are at the extreme or their stroke, which position necessitates that a rolling motion take place in the member 23 in order to allow the convex cams to continue their opposite motions, which action is duplicated by the member 2 in an opposite direction at the other extreme of its reciprocating stroke, thus causing an oscillating an'd reciprocating motion to take place simultaneously in the member 2 in order to allow continuous readjustments of the convcx cams 7 and 8.

Modifications in detail may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or sacrificing any of its advantages.

What I claim as new is:

1. An automatic adjusting mechanism, comprising the combination of two iiemi spherical cams mounted on co-axial independent axle sections, a circular member with concave surfaces, and extending lug pins fitting said cams and a rotatable driving member, co-operating with the extending lug pins on said circular member said lug pins being slidably and rotatably mounted in the driving member to cause the said cams to have an opposite rotary motion in unison.

2. An automatic adjusting mechanism con'iprising in combination a casing, holes through said casing. a circular member with concave surfaces, with lug pins extending from its periphery through the holes in said casing, hemispherical cams fitting said concave'surfaces,- said cams being mounted on aligned axle sections.

"3. An automatic adjusting mechanism comprising two aligned abutting shafts, two hemispherical cams mounted thereon, the said cams having their hemispherical surfaces adjacent each other, a circular mefnher with opposite concave surfaces adapted to fit over the said'hemispherical cams, lug pins extending oppositely from the said circular member, asurrounding casing having bearing holes receiving said lug pins therein that allow of both a rotary and a reciprocating motion of the lug pins, :1 means to drive the casing rotarily substantially as is shown and described;

In testimony that I claim the foregoing, I have hereunto set my hand this 7th day of March, 1924.

EDWIN J. GOULD. 

